Written by: Deborah Folayinka Olayinka
With Nigeria’s youth population estimated at 151 million, the tech sector offers critical pathways to address social and economic challenges. Education as a Vaccine (EVA) combines technology with advocacy, using digital tools to expand access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information. This work not only meets immediate needs but also empowers youth, particularly women and girls, who have historically been underserved.
Growing up as the eldest in a middle-class family, I prioritized my career and navigated limited opportunities despite my access to information. Like many, I initially saw tech as unsuitable for a creative like me, who focused on writing, photography, and design. However, I eventually found my ideal role in Product Communications and Marketing within tech. This journey revealed that tech includes diverse no-code roles in areas like health, art, and governance, proving that it’s a field open to many paths beyond traditional coding.
EVA’s work exemplifies how tech careers go beyond job creation; they provide avenues for social impact, self-actualization, and economic growth. As the sector grows, it provides Nigerian youth with platforms for innovation and social change, to foster a healthier, more equitable society for all.
Tech has provided young Nigerians with unique opportunities to develop their potential and drive social impact. Despite youth unemployment challenges, the tech industry opens doors for a diverse range of roles beyond coding—from product management to creative design, showing that everyone has a place within this growing industry. According to Jobberman, the tech sector is expected to contribute $88 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2027 and with tech’s rapid expansion, new roles and even entire fields will emerge, offering young people opportunities to transform their lives and their communities.
The numbers show that tech is here to stay, with rapidly expanding opportunities, accommodating new roles and creating entire sectors not yet imagined. This is a booming industry where young people can actualize their potential, develop entrepreneurial initiatives, and change their life trajectories.
My journey proves that there’s space for every Nigerian youth in tech. EVA has also demonstrated that empowerment has a place in the tech industry, further proving that there are opportunities for everyone in this booming industry. For young people seeking purpose and a way to make a difference, tech provides not just a career but a platform for societal transformation. It is possible to see a future in the tech industry where Nigerian youth can actualize meaningful opportunities to shape a healthier, more equitable Nigeria and impact communities beyond its borders.